Captain will be here directly to dine,” he muttered as he scampered toward the door.
“Mister Smith,” I said, raising my voice more than I’d intended.
He turned, and, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, replied, “Aye, yer Ladyship?”
His glance danced between me and Mary. My mouth got dry at the thought that he might know the Captain had walked in on my bath, and I could not bring myself to look him in the eye. Gathering my courage, I lifted my chin a notch and mustered what I hoped was a stern glare.
“Please notify Captain Drake that I do not wish to dine with him. I shall take my evening meal here with Mary, and I ask that he kindly take his with the crew.”
“Aye, yer Ladyship. I be sure to relay yer message to the Captain.” And again, he chanced a glance toward Mary, then added, “But he won’t be happy.”
“His happiness is of no concern to me. Thank you, Mister Smith, that will be all.”
“Aye, yer Ladyship,” he said, and as he backed out of the cabin his gaze shifted again to the maid.
As soon as the door closed behind him, I turned to my maid.
“Mary, what is going on between you and Smith?”
“I don’t be knowin’ what ye be talkin’ about. There be nothin’ goin’ on, Miss.”
“Mary, do not lie to me. Were you planning to take your evening meal with Mister Smith?”
“Aye, Miss,” she replied, wringing her hands as she cast her eyes toward the floor.
“Very well, Mary. I do not wish to spoil your plans. You go ahead. It’s just that I do not wish to dine with ... with him .”
“Thank ye, Miss.” Mary bobbed a quick courtesy and scurried toward the door.
“Mary!”
“Aye, Miss?” The timid maid turned back to face me.
“Enjoy your dinner.” I smiled.
“Thank ye, Miss,” she said and rushed out the cabin as if she feared I might change my mind.
The delicious aroma of food floated across the room like an enticing, unseen hand drawing me toward it and causing my stomach to rumble. I could not recall the last time I had eaten and I made my way to the table, nearly floating on the delicious smells.
The tray was laden with plates, each containing something different. There were platters filled with exotic fruits and nuts, some with roasted potatoes, others had vegetables, breads, roasted meats, and delicate cakes. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, and one certainly fit for a king. My mouth watered as I took a plate and began to fill it with delectable morsels. Taking a seat at the vast table and picking up a fork, I stabbed a slice of rare beef.
The fork was nearly halfway to my mouth when the door to the cabin flew open with such force it slammed into the wall. I jumped from my seat, dropping the fork in the process.
He stood there in the doorway, his eyes dark and dangerous and his hands balled into fists at his sides. His breath came in quick rasps and he closed his eyes for a moment, clearly fighting to rein in his anger. When his eyes finally opened they were still dark, but his expression seemed to have softened somewhat.
“Captain,” I said in a meek voice, “is something amiss?”
“Aye, Milady. At the end of a very long day, I wish for the solitude of my cabin and the comfort of a warm meal.”
He took a few steps into the cabin and closing the door behind him made his way to the table. Picking up a plate, he began to make a few selections from the tray. I stood there watching him, and the slow burn of anger spread through me. How dare he ignore my wishes!
When he had filled his plate to his satisfaction, he took the seat across from mine at the table. Standing there with my arms crossed, I glared at him.
“Would you care for some wine, Milady?” he asked, pouring the dark red liquid into the silver goblets.
“No, I would not care for any wine. What I would like is to be left alone to enjoy my evening meal in solitude.”
“Is this not my cabin?” he asked with a raised eyebrow, his gaze surveying the